On the recordJanuary 1, 1791
It requires some talents to be a common mechanic; but to be a king requires only the animal figure of man--a sort of breathing automaton.
Said by
Thomas Paine
Source
gutenberg.orgIt requires some talents to be a common mechanic; but to be a king requires only the animal figure of man--a sort of breathing automaton.
In "Rights of Man," Paine satirically contrasts the skills needed for a common trade with the lack of qualifications required for a hereditary monarch.
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I know the value of moral instruction, and I have seen the danger of the contrary.
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Burke's Book is easily accounted for.--When a man in a wrong cause attempts to steer his course by anything else than some polar truth or principle, he is sure to be lost.